One of the excellent and admirable things about Greenbelt is that it has always been a place that fosters optimism. A town like ours that encourages, and in many ways was built on the cooperative ideal is, by definition, optimistic. Since its founding, that cooperative spirit has moved, and still leads, so many Greenbelters to volunteer for a committee or a board, for a community work day or to lend a hand to a neighbor. This spirit and way of life lies at the heart of our town’s volunteer cooperatives (such as this newspaper) where Greenbelt residents can use their skills to make a difference within our community and in the wider world beyond.
Participation in voting is a key part of this cooperative spirit. The idea that citizens of a city, a county, a state and even a nation can make a difference and can affect their shared quality of life is truly an optimistic idea. It is a proud part of our American heritage. Sadly, however, it is becoming increasingly common to hear and read statements that democracy in American is no longer representative, that it is rigged or unfair or bought by and sold to the highest bidder. Such statements and articles contain greater or lesser elements of truth and as such, informed citizens need to understand them. If the result of such news, however, is that too many of us decide it is not worth voting or otherwise participating in our democracy, we will all have been defeated.
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